Written by Nate Manuel
Photo Credit: Freaky Deaky
If you’ve heard of Freaky Deaky before, you might remember it as a three-day Halloween festival outside of Chicago featuring a huge lineup and an array of mid-west autumn attractions. That Freaky Deaky is no more. This year we have Freaky Deaky – Midwest Halloween Takeover! Smaller lineups, spread over four cities, in one weekend. No more haunted houses or carnival rides, but costumes are encouraged.
Chicago: Big weekend! Start Thursday off with hardstyle from Kayzo. Friday night features house & electro vibes with the likes of Gorgon City with Lee Foss and Kidnap Kid in one venue and Oliver Heldens with Klingande and Drezo at another. Top the weekend off Saturday with some booty-shaking Dillon Francis and What So Not.
Ann Arbor: Cash Cash is playing a show Halloween night at the clubbiest club the city has to offer, right where these pop-heavy, Jersey-boys shine brightest.
Grand Rapids: Zomboy is sure to get extra spooky for a Friday night show right before the spookiest night of the year! His whole dubby-bassy catalogue fits right in.
Milwaukee: The largest lineup of the cities participating. Two nights in one venue; Griz and Bassnectar headlining Friday and Saturday respectively. With backup from Flatbush Zombies, Ganja White Knight, Mija, Boogie T, Plaid Hawaii, Bleep Bloop, and more, these two nights will be stuffed full of funk, bass, and everything in between.
Whatever the reason for breaking this festival into multiple cities, I like the change. During the lull between a busy summer season and holiday/new years plans, people appreciate the lower ticket price and smaller commitment of a 1-2 night show, not a three day full-on festival. Wherever you go, it’s sure to be a good time!
These Freaky Deaky shows feature headliners that were some of my favorite show experiences of 2016:
- Grizmas- both nights; I was so hyped I bought my whole family tickets the first night. Witnessed so much love being spread! Both sets were unique.
- Bassnectar Halloween- Grand Rapids both nights; Production level over the moon. Regardless of your taste in music, his dedication as a performer and DJ is untouchable.
- Mija – Magic Stick (Detroit); Been a huge fan of her ever since UpNorth 2016 (RIP UpNorth Festival), she kills it again, then brings out Jai Wolf for a full set!
…So you know where to find me this Halloween!